Q&A with DJ HeavyGrinder

Now for something a little different here on JRR: We first heard about Los Angeles-based DJ HeavyGrinder through her appearances on the anime convention circuit in the States, but she’s far more widely known for her work in the global club scene. DJ HeavyGrinder makes stops all over the world from her home base in Los Angeles, and within the last year she released her first electronica album, "Living A Dream," in Japan.

And she is indeed living a dream—at only 24 she’s already made quite an international splash, accomplishing what many artists aspire to throughout their lives. We managed to drop her a few questions by email just before she jet off to Japan about her music and career, and we’ll be sure to catch up with her again and speak with her at length once she returns home. Read on and stay tuned!

JRR: How would you describe your sound to a new audience? What do you aim to do/convey to an audience when you perform?

DJ HeavyGrinder: I would describe my sound as funky, edgy, fresh and danceable. I read the crowd and try to tell a story through my music. My goal is to make people dance with joy and excitement.

JRR: Was there a moment when you realized you wanted to be a DJ more than anything? How would you describe that realization?

DJ HeavyGrinder: When I was 19 I realized I wanted to speak through the music more than anything. It was a thrilling thought and I am very happy being able to do that now.

JRR: Who would you say are your musical mentors or strongest influences?